5-Day / 4-Night Challenging

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Laggan/Invergarry.

Today begins with a steep climb out of Invergarry before easing into forest tracks with occasional glimpses of Loch Oich. You rejoin the Caledonian Canal at the romantic Bridge of Oich suspension bridge, followed by an easy stroll into Fort Augustus. From there, the trail rises through woodland to meet the junction where you can choose between a High Route, offering more varied terrain and expansive views over Loch Ness, or a Low Route, which stays lower on sheltered forestry tracks with occasional glimpses of the loch. Both routes eventually converge for the final descent into Invermoriston.

High Route A steep climb from Invermoriston leads you into the hills along remote woodland paths and across open moorland, offering some of the best views of Loch Ness on the entire Great Glen Way. Interpretation boards, wildlife sightings, and scenic viewpoints add interest before the trail meets the low route. A little farther on, you can pause for a break at a charming pottery café. From there, a long stretch of road walking and a final descent on a track bring you down into Drumnadrochit.

Low Route The low route stays lower and keeps to sheltered forestry over the first 9km. This offers easier navigation and a quieter atmosphere than the high route. Interpretation boards, wildlife sightings, and scenic viewpoints still offer points of interest, and the trail eventually rises to meet the high route. A little farther on, you can pause for a break at a charming pottery café. From there, a long stretch of road walking and a final descent on a track bring you down into Drumnadrochit.

Today you have two options: a high route or a low route.

Stunning views over Loch Ness are your reward today for some steep climbs along forest tracks on the north-side of the lake. If you still have enough energy, we recommend a 4km detour to Urquhart Castle. Or perhaps a pint of the local brew sounds more appealing?

Overview: Today’s hike begins with excellent views over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle before leading through quiet forest, open moorland, and the community-run Abriachan Forest. An optional High Route offers wider Highland panoramas. Approaching Inverness, the trail becomes easier underfoot, following greenways, canal paths, and riverside walkways into the city centre.